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Walsh and Hoffman appointed to Rugby Championship fixtures

The International Rugby Board has announced the match official appointments for The Rugby Championship 2014, with Australian Rugby to be represented by Steve Walsh and Rohan Hoffmann.

Walsh will take charge of Argentina v South Africa match at the Padre Ernesto Martearena Stadium on Saturday, 23 August. He has also been appointed to be an assistant referee at the reverse fixture in Pretoria the week previous (Saturday, 16 August).

Hoffmann, from Brisbane, will be one of the two assistant referees for two Rugby Championships clashes in New Zealand, when the All Blacks entertain Argentina in Napier (Saturday, 6 September) and South Africa in Wellington (Saturday, 13 September).

Appointments were made by the IRB Match Official Selection Committee at its meeting in New Zealand and follow a detailed review of recent performances during the recent June Tests and IRB tournaments.

The Rugby Championship opener between Australia and New Zealand in Sydney on August 16 will be refereed by South Africa’s Jaco Peyper. The appointments for the 12 Championship fixtures feature a blend of northern and southern hemisphere match officials selected on form.

IRB Match Official Selection Committee Chairman John Jeffrey said: "As we build towards Rugby World Cup 2015, our focus continues to be clear and consistent decision-making and the highest standards of physical conditioning."

"The Rugby Championship 2014 appointments have been made following careful consideration to recent performances at elite level, including the June Tests and other IRB Tournaments."

"We continue to consult with coaches in making our selection decisions and I would like to thank Unions for their full commitment and support of the official feedback channels."

The selection system allows for movement in and out of the panel based on form and rewards the top performers and young referees who have graduated through the performance pathway ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015 in England.